The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has published new rules for obtaining a driving license. These new rules have come into effect from June 1, 2024. The new rules include three important amendments.
Three major amendments in driving licence rules
1. You will be able to give the exam in a driving school- As per the new rules, the current requirement of taking a test at an RTO to get a new driver licence will be abolished and you will be able to take the test at private driving training centres starting June 1. These facilities will be given the authority to conduct driving tests and issue driving certificates.
2. Fine of Rs 25,000 for driving by a minor- Driving without a license or speeding will attract heavy punishment. The fee is now between 1 to 2 thousand rupees. Along with this, if a teenager is caught driving, the parents will face legal action and a penalty of Rs 25,000. In addition, the vehicle owner’s registration card will be canceled, and the youth will be ineligible for a license until the age of 25.
3. Documentation will be easy- The ministry has simplified the documentation required for the new license. It was designed to fit the type of vehicle (two-wheeler or four-wheeler). This will reduce the need for physical tests at the RTO.
Driving license rules: The government clarified whether DL will be made without driving test or not. The most difficult task in obtaining a driving license i.e. DL (driving license) is to pass the driving test. According to recent media reports, candidates will no longer need to give a driving test at the Regional Transport Office (RTO). They can take the driving test at reputed private driving schools. The administration has now clarified on this problem. The government has said that no license will be issued without a driving test.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has given clarification on certificates given by Accredited Driver Training Centres (ADTCs) and driving schools. In response to media reports, the government said that the existing laws will remain unchanged from June 1.
Driving license rules will not change from June 1
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has said in its clarification that there will be no change in the existing rules from June 1. The report also claims that applicants will get a certificate after passing the exam in private driving schools. This can be used to apply for a driving license without checking at the RTO.
No exemption from driving test
According to the ministry, the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act 1988 includes provision for licensing and regulation of schools providing motor vehicle training. These schools issue certificates after successful training. However, the certificate holder will still have to take a driving test. The licensing body will be in charge of issuing driving licences, the ministry said.
Application Process for Driving Licence
The driving license application process will not change. Applicants can submit their application online by visiting the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways https://parivahan.gov.in/. However, the application can also be submitted at the appropriate RTO.
Driving Licence Test
The new driving licence rules will allow people to take driving exams at private training institutes instead of the RTO. However, to grant a driver’s licence, these training institutes must be approved by the government to conduct the exam.
These centers will provide certificates to successful applicants upon completion of the driving test. This certificate can be used to apply for a driver’s license from a government RTO. After successfully completing the course at a driving center, applicants will not need to take any further exams. Those who do not take the test at driving test facilities will have to pass the RTO exam to obtain a driving license.
Driving licence fee
From June 1, the Center has also changed the fees for obtaining and renewing a driving license. A fee of Rs 200 will have to be paid for obtaining a permanent driving license, learner’s license or both. The fee for obtaining an international driving license will be Rs 1,000 per application. Now the entire process of obtaining these licenses will be computerized.
Penalty for violating traffic rules increased
The Center has also authorized amendments to the penalty for driving without a valid driver’s license. From June 1, drivers violating this traffic rule will be fined Rs 2,000. If a minor is caught driving, he faces severe punishment. The new law provides for a fine of Rs 25,000 and judicial action against parents and vehicle owners. In some circumstances, the vehicle’s registration certificate will also be canceled.
– Animesh Sharma
